SP1DKKS 109 



"Oh! nothing, sir: the horrid creature is dead. 

 But you know the proverb: * Spider in the morning, 

 mourning; spider at night, delight/ Everybody 

 knows that a spider seen in the morning is a sign of 

 had luck. Our little chickens are in danger; the 

 cats will claw them. You'll see, sir, you'll see." 



Tears of emotion came to Mother Ambroisine's 



"Put the little chickens in a safe place, watch the 

 . and I will answer for the rest. The proverb 

 of the spider is only a foolish prejudice," said Uncle 

 Paul 



Mother Ambroisine did not utter another word. 

 She knew that Maitre Paul found a reason for every- 

 thing, and on occasion was capable of pronouncing 

 a eulogy on the spider. Claire, who saw this eulogy 

 coming, ventured a question. 



"I know: in your eyes all animals, however hid- 

 eous they may be, have excellent excuses to plead: 

 all merit consideration; all play a part ordained by 

 Providence; all are interesting to observe and to 

 >tudy. You are the advocate of the good God's 

 creatures; you would plead for the toad. But per- 

 mit your niece to see there only an impulse of your 

 kind heart, and not the real truth. What could you 

 say in praise o!' the spider, horrid beast, which is 

 poisonous and disfigures the ceiling with its webs?" 



14 What could I say? Much, my dear child, much. 

 In tin- meantime, feed your little chickens and be- 

 ware of cats if you want to prove the spider proverb 



Jn the evening Mother Ambroisine, her large 



